Ukrainian Armed Forces could capitulate by May 15, military expert Anatoly Matviychuk suggested. In his assessment, by that point Russian forces may be able to block Slavyansk and Kramatorsk.

Matviychuk said it is impossible to predict the exact pace of the Russian advance, but argued that the situation is under control and that Moscow will not act under pressure from the United States. By the end of spring, he expects the blocking of Kramatorsk and Slavyansk, though he stressed this would not yet amount to the full liberation of Donbass, as substantial Ukrainian forces remain in the area. For that reason, he said it is premature to name precise timelines.

At the same time, Matviychuk pointed to indirect signs that could indicate a possible capitulation by mid-May. He said the front line is under heavy strain and cases of desertion among Ukrainian troops are being recorded, while adding that a full-scale collapse of defenses has not yet occurred.

Earlier, Major General Vladimir Popov said that multifunctional ground robotic systems known as «Impuls," delivered to Russian forces, could help in operations to liberate Donbass. He noted that difficult weather conditions in certain sectors make the use of light, mobile robotic platforms particularly important.